Ojuawo Felicitates with Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, on Her Birthday.

Ojuawo Felicitates with Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, on Her Birthday.

The Federal Lawmaker representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, Hon. AVM Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo (Rtd), has extended warm felicitations to the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, on the joyous occasion of her birthday.

In his goodwill message, Hon. Ojuawo described the Deputy Governor as “a committed leader, a dependable partner in governance, and a mother figure whose humility, wisdom, and dedication to the growth and development of Ekiti State continue to command admiration and respect.”

He commended Her Excellency for her unwavering support to her boss, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), noting that her loyalty and steadfast contributions have greatly enhanced the delivery of good governance across the state.

“As you mark another year of life and service, I join your family, friends, well-wishers, and indeed the entire people of Ekiti State in celebrating you. May the Almighty grant you many more years in sound health, with divine wisdom and greater fulfillment, as you continue to serve our people,” Hon. Ojuawo said.

Hon. Ojuawo further prayed that God would continue to endow the Deputy Governor with strength and grace to sustain her contributions to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Ekiti State.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Ekiti-born Teacher, Anifowose, Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Gathering of Educators.

Ekiti-born Teacher, Anifowose, Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Gathering of Educators.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

An Ekiti-born teacher and education advocate, Mr. Seyi Anifowose, has entered the Guinness World Records for organizing the largest gathering of teachers globally.

The historic event, tagged “Let There Be Teachers Conference 2025”, was held on September 20 at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, drawing an estimated 60,000 teachers from across Nigeria and beyond.

The record-breaking feat was officially confirmed by Rishi Nath, a representative of Guinness World Records, during a Zoom call on September 23.

Anifowose, who is affiliated with the education-focused group 1 Million Teachers, described the achievement as a victory for education in Nigeria. “This is proof that teachers matter. It is a victory for education and Nigeria,” he said.

The conference, which aimed to amplify the call for improved teacher welfare, recognition, and education policy reforms, was not without its challenges. Attendees endured adverse weather conditions and lengthy wait times, but their dedication to the cause stood firm.

The significance of the venue, Tafawa Balewa Square—where Nigeria’s independence was declared in 1960—was not lost on participants, symbolizing a renewed call for national attention to the plight of educators.

Anifowose extended appreciation to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his home state governor, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, for their moral and logistical support. He also acknowledged the contributions of various teacher unions and education agencies.

Looking ahead, the teacher-turned-advocate said he would be pushing for legislative reforms at the National Assembly to tackle longstanding challenges in the education sector, including underfunding and teacher shortages.

He noted that the global recognition should serve as a springboard for meaningful policy change and improved working conditions for Nigerian teacher.

The Unmistakable Consensus: Unity for Continuity and Progress.

The Unmistakable Consensus: Unity for Continuity and Progress.

The political landscape in Ekiti State has coalesced around a singular, powerful objective: the re-election of PBAT/Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), a crucial first step in securing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, come 2027. This preference is no secret; it is the salient truth embraced by the entire progressive family.

The commitment is evident from the highest echelons of the party: The Presidency and the entire structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the National, State, Local Government, to the Ward Executive Working Committees are united in their support.

The Ekiti State Caucus in the National Assembly, comprising all three senators and six members of the House of Representatives, is fully on board, led by the distinguished Senate Leader, Senator (Dr) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele. The State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Adeoye Aribasoye stands firmly with the governor. The 25 APC members are expected to be further bolstered by the anticipated decamping of the sole SDP member.

The 38 Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen, alongside the Conference of all former National and State Assembly Members, led by Senator Adetumbi, have unequivocally declared their staunch support for political stability and continuity.

This movement transcends partisan boundaries, reflecting a deep statewide consensus. All past governors of Ekiti State, regardless of their party affiliation, under the leadership of Otunba Adeniyi Richard Adebayo, and all past Deputy Governors, led by Chief Paul Alabi and Professor Modupe Adelabu, are ecstatic about the continued good work of the current administration.

Furthermore, women and youth groups, various opinion leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and well-meaning Ekiti sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, have all thrown their weight behind the return of BAO and PBAT. Ekiti State has not just chosen a path; it has chosen the path of honour and progress, setting an enviable standard for others to follow. 

Things can only get better.

Do not be left out of this historic movement. The dreams of the future are indeed better than the history of the past. Stand up to be counted amongst the history makers who secured a future anchored on political stability and continuity for our dear State.

Go out today!

Dust off your APC Membership Card and update your membership register. Register for your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) or transfer your PVC to Ekiti State.

The process is easy. YOUR PVC is YOUR VOTE, it is YOUR WEAPON for good governance.

Be part of history!

_Forward Ever, Backward Never._

OSV

EKSU Law Graduate, Akinola Dolapo, Shines at 2025 Call to Bar.

EKSU Law Graduate, Akinola Dolapo, Shines at 2025 Call to Bar.

...Ranks 7th Overall Nationwide, Bags Multiple Awards.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

A First Class Law graduate of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Akinola Dolapo Modupe, has made the institution proud by emerging as one of the top graduating students at the February 2025 Nigerian Law School Bar Finals held in Abuja.

Dolapo, who studied Corporate Law at EKSU, was ranked the 7th overall best graduating student nationwide and received multiple prestigious awards at the Call to Bar ceremony.

Among the honours she received were the Chief Adegboyega S. Awomolo CFR, SAN, Life Bencher Award for the 3rd Best Graduating Student in Corporate Law Practice, and the Director General’s Prize for First Class graduates.

Reacting to the development, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Babatola Ayodele, congratulated Dolapo and commended the Faculty of Law for continuing to uphold the university’s tradition of academic excellence.

“EKSU is known for producing brilliant minds, and Dolapo’s achievements are a clear testament to the quality of education we offer. We are proud of her and urge other students and alumni to continue to fly the flag of the university high,” Ayodele said.

The Vice Chancellor also reiterated the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and promoting the university’s global image.

The university’s Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, in a statement signed by Ayobami Adedoyin (Mrs), on behalf of the Deputy Registrar/Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun congratulated Dolapo and reaffirmed EKSU's dedication to nurturing academic brilliance across all disciplines.

Fayemi Congratulates Ladoja on Coronation as Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Fayemi Congratulates Ladoja on Coronation as Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), has congratulated Senator Rashidi Ladoja on his coronation as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

In a press statement issued by the head of the Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Dr Fayemi described the installation of Ladoja as Olubadan as “a fitting recognition of his illustrious contributions to public life and his enduring service to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.”

He said Senator Ladoja’s wealth of experience in politics, business, and community service would no doubt be brought to bear in further uniting the Ibadan traditional institution and enhancing the welfare of his people.

Fayemi expressed confidence that the new Olubadan’s reign would usher in an era of peace, prosperity, and stability not only for Ibadan but also for the entire state of Oyo.

“Senator Ladoja is widely admired as a man of integrity and courage. His ascension to the Ibadan throne is a source of pride, not only to the people of Ibadanland but also to all Nigerians who value leadership anchored on service and humility,” Fayemi said.

While praying for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance for the monarch, Fayemi urged the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State to rally round the new Olubadan to sustain the tradition of peace and progress for which the ancient city is known.

2026: Ekiti Will joyfully return APC to Power, says Oyebanji.

2026: Ekiti Will joyfully return APC to Power, says Oyebanji.

...community leaders laud gov's diligent execution of budgets.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has said that his superlative performance and groundswell of support from the citizens have reinforced his confidence that Ekiti residents made the right choice during the 2022 election that produced him. 

Oyebanji said Ekiti voters won't blink an eyelid nor hesitate before returning the All Progressives Congress back to power in the June 20, 2026 governorship poll. 

The Governor revealed that the 2025 budget has been implemented up to 75 percent, which he said signposted his unshaken fidelity to budget execution. 

Oyebanji spoke in Otun and Ijero Ekiti, at separate  citizens' engagement/Town Hall Meetings held  with stakeholders in Ekiti North and Ekiti Central Senatorial Districts towards the preparation of the 2026 Budget. 

Addressing the populace, Oyebanji described the interaction as buttressing his well-entrenched populist and inclusive approach to governance and the fact that he operates a progressive open door strategy to administer the state. 

Oyebanji praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Federal and State lawmakers, traditional rulers and other pivotal stakeholders, for their partnerships that reinforced his spirit and inspired him to work assiduously to transform the lives of the people. 

"What gives me joy today is that, I can say confidently that there is no town where there is no government-funded project, either in the area of road, water, electricity, agriculture and healthcare and education. This gives me joy that our people have not voted wrongly in 2022 and that they won't hesitate to return APC to power in 2026.

"Our traditional rulers have attested to the improvement in the security level. Today , you can move around the state without fear. I want to appreciate our traditional rulers for giving us lands for commercial farming, where thousands of our youths have been gainfully employed". 

Based on the deafening complaints of the stakeholders across the towns, Governor Oyebanji, pledged that his government will take aggressive steps to fix some of the dilapidated township roads, saying he wholeheartedly agreed that many of them are in decrepit states.

To boost electricity supplies in towns and correct the imbalance and uneven distribution of power, the Ekiti's number one citizen, directed the local government Chairmen to purchase transformers for towns experiencing harrowing power outage. 

"It is not too much for the council chairmen to buy transformers and install in towns where there is no electricity supply for some time. The House of Assembly should take this as part of their oversight functions. The councils must be effective and responsive in this aspect. We are all voted into our respective offices to work for our people".

Oyebanji promised to tackle headlong, the perennial erosion problem and poor access to potable water supply in some communities, to curtail spread of water borne diseases and bring a slump to the rate of morbidity among the populace. 

"The Ministry of Budget can handle this kind of a programme, but I made a promise to always connect with you and listen to you. This meeting is not a waste. There is no budget year that I won't attend to some of your requests. It might not be everything. You voted for me and put all of us on this job. The fidelity to that promise makes me to be here today.

"One thing that is clear is that, you have a governor that listens, a governor that cares and one that doesn't joke with your requests. 

Very soon, I will come to you for the renewal of our mandate and we have to justify such to be able to earn your respect". 

In their presentations for each of the five councils in Ekiti North, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori- Faboro, Owa of Oke Ayedun, Oba Olufemi Aribisala, Oniye of Iye Ekiti, Oba Adeleye Oni, Chief Bamidele Adeyeye and Engr Ayodeji Abey, saluted Oyebanji for fostering security in the bandit- infested area, where cases of killings and abductions, had been a recurrent decimal in time past.

Similarly, in their presentations for each of the five councils in Ekiti Central senatorial district, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, Olojudo of Ido Ile,  Oba Aderemi Obaleye, Oniropora of Iropora Ekiti, Oba Joel Olonigbua, and Chief Joel Omoniyi, appreciated the Governor for diligent implementation of the 2025 appropriation law. 

They said this vividly reflected in the execution of projects spanning across all the sectors of the economy deemed as the priorities of the populace. 

In the same fashion, the community leaders, commended the Governor for aggressively transforming rural economy, by placing premium value on rural electrification, road infrastructures, youth empowerment, water supply, food security and other thematic projects that can add value to humanity. 

They said the restoration of security in Ekiti, has spirally promoted peace and businesses, adding that infrastructures like roads, healthcare facilities and food security should be intensified in 2026, to buffer poverty rate and improve the standards of living of the people.  

The leaders of the People Living With Disabilities, Messrs Tunde Ajisegbe and Alimi Ologonu, expressed elation over Oyebanji's declaration of free health care services and free education for members, describing this as a masterstroke that has mitigated poverty and promote the spirit of inclusivity.

In the same fashion, the traditional leaders across the two districts, commended the governor for aggressively transforming rural economy, by placing premium value on rural electrification, road infrastructures, youth empowerment, water supply, food security and other thematic projects that can add value to humanity. 

The community leaders, said the restoration of security in Ekiti, has spirally promoted peace and businesses, adding that infrastructures like roads, healthcare facilities and food security should be intensified in 2026, to buffer poverty rate and improve the standards of living of the people.  

At the occasion, a leader of the People Living With Disabilities, Mr Tunde Ajisegbe, saluted Governor Oyebanji, for declaring free health care services for members, describing this as a masterstroke that has mitigated poverty and promote the spirit of inclusivity.

The town hall meetings were  attended by traditional rulers, chiefs, politicians, commercial drivers, market men and women, youths, artisans, people living with disabilities, Okada Riders, students, people from other ethnic nationalities, women groups, among others.

CITIZENS' ENGAGEMENT BEFORE BUDGET NOW COMPULSORY FOR LG CHAIRMEN IN EKITI, SAYS OYEBANJI.

CITIZENS' ENGAGEMENT BEFORE BUDGET NOW COMPULSORY FOR LG CHAIRMEN IN EKITI, SAYS OYEBANJI.

...Community leaders laud Gov’s diligent execution of budgets.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has mandated local government chairmen in the state to always hold citizens' engagement before preparing their budgets as done by his administration at the state level to ensure that initiatives and projects that speak to the needs of the people are included and executed.

Governor Oyebanji gave the directive on Thursday during the Town Hall Meeting and Citizens' Engagement with the people of Ekiti North and Ekiti Central Senatorial Districts towards preparation of the 2026 Budget in the state where he also restated his commitment to always connect with the people in the grassroots to involve them in governance.

At the town hall meeting held in Otun Ekiti, representatives of communities from the five local government areas in Ekiti North-Ido/Osi, Moba, Ilejemeje, Oye and Ikole-tabled their requests while the representatives of communities cutting across the five local government areas in Ekiti Central-Ijero, Efon, Ekiti West, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Ado Ekiti-also submitted their requests for submission info the 2026 Budget in Ijero Ekiti.

The forum afforded the  representatives of each of the council areas to appreciate the Governor for various completed and ongoing projects which they noted have changed the face of the communities and various empowerment programmes and policies rolled out to boost their standards of living.

However, they seized the opportunity to table many requests including township roads, inter-town and inter-community roads, electricity, potable water, hospitals and health centers, palaces, schools, ambulances, empowerment of citizens, security of lives and property,among others. 

Representatives of artisans and the people living with disabilities also tabled their requests for inclusion in the 2026 Ekiti State budget.

Responding to requests from many communities for transformers to boost power supply, the Governor noted that local government chairmen should be able to provide transformers for towns and villages in their domains on the strength of improved allocations now accruing to them.

The Governor subsequently charged the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) who also doubles as the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Hon Segun Ojo, to rally fellow council chairmen to key into citizens' engagement before preparing their budgets.

Oyebanji specifically directed  the chairmen to invite community leaders and stakeholders in their council areas to town hall meetings to receive their requests in terms of projects in the grassroots into the budgets for the councils to be in sync with what the people want.

He said: "I agree with you that the state of our township roads in many parts of our state are unacceptable and we are going to find ways to attend to them. But is not not too much for the local governments. Local government chairmen, you can still buy transformers from what comes into your coffers.

"ALGON Chairman, this is my advice: the same way we (the state government) visit our people to ask of their requests to be included into the state budget, the local government chairmen should do the same. The local government chairmen should sit down with their people and consider their requests to be included into council budgets.

"I now direct all chairmen of LGAs and LCDAs to hold meetings with traditional rulers, community leaders, party leaders, representatives of interest groups and I want to see the reports of such meetings. This should form part of oversight functions of the House of Assembly.

"The 2026 budgets of the local governments should not be prepared without consultation with people living in such local government areas. This is very important and I want our council chairmen to consider doing what we are doing in terms of citizens' engagement for budget preparation."

Oyebanji said he was duty bound to connect with the people in the grassroots from time to time to give account of stewardship and to always ask of the needs of the citizens to be incorporated into the budget since his assumption of office in 2022 because he holds the mandate of the people to whom he must give account.

The Governor explained that he holds his regular interface with the people as an important project which speaks to his commitment to uphold the covenant he made with them at his inauguration expressing satisfaction that the annual engagement on budget has yielded many dividends in terms of projects and better standards of living.

"This shows that this meeting is not a waste. There is no budget year that we have not implemented one or two things requested by each of our communities. We may not have attended to everything but we have attended to a good number of requests of our people which can be seen in every part of the state.

"You have a governor that listens, you have a governor that cares and you have a governor that knows where the shoe pinches. This is why at the fullness of time, we will come back to request for your votes and we will point to those things we have done and the promises we have fulfilled," he added.

He promised to devote a chunk of the 2026 Budget to provide credit facilities to artisans and the informal sector to boost the grassroots economy but he expressed dismay that the micro-credit loans rolled out by the past administrations were not returned by beneficiaries leading to a repayment of over N2 billion of unpaid loans by his administration.

The Governor disclosed that his administration's investment in commercial agriculture has yielded dividends with young farmers in one of the five clusters making over N1 million in three months adding that clearing of more hectares of land has reduced kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He urged residents who are yet to register as voters to do so and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in order to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming governorship election expressing confidence that his performance in the last three years are enough to sell his candidacy to his party and the electorate.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor,  Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, explained that the budget town hall meetings have become integral parts of governance in Ekiti to render account and feel the pulse of the populace on their needs for successive fiscal years.

Adebayo said Ekiti under Oyebanji has been widely acknowledged as a state that upholds probity, transparency and accountability which have deepened good governance and warned the Governor and the state prestigious awards.

The meetings in the two locations were attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mrs Bolaji Olagbaju; the Head of Service,Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; the Oore of Orun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo who led other traditional rulers in Ekiti North; the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti who led other monarchs in Ekiti Central where the Ewi of Ado Ekiti was represented by his chiefs, local government chairmen, community leaders and various interest groups.